Child Resistant Tube

ABSTRACT

A container for small objects, including medical and pharmaceutical products. The container has a body that is closable in a secure fashion by a cap. The cap includes a movable locking tab for engaging with an opening in the body and protrusion for engaging a slot or channel formed in the body. Removal of the cap from the body requires pushing the tab as well as twisting the cap before pulling the cap from the body.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a container. In particular, the invention relates to child resistant (“CR”) containers for small objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that the storage of various types of small objects must sometimes be accomplished in a manner that prevents children from obtaining and handling the objects. An obvious example of such small objects is pharmaceutical pills and capsules. Various government regulatory bodies throughout the world require pharmaceutical manufacturers to package their products in CR packages. An example of such a regulatory body is the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which has historically regulated CR packaging in the United States. Various other organizations provide design and manufacturing standards for compliant CR packaging. One example of such an organization is the American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”), which has created the ASTM D3475 Standard Classification for Child-Resistant Packages.

In recent years, there has been increasing demand for CR ASTM certified packages for small objects that have a more modern or trendy design. Many companies and individuals have expressed a desire for pill bottles that do not look like traditional pill bottles. Such traditional pill bottles are viewed by some as being unattractive and requiring use and storage behind closed doors. At present, while there are over a hundred variations of pill bottles for packaging pharmaceutically driven products, each having CR ASTM certification, there are very few new and modern packages of this type available in ASTM's listings that are not obviously pill bottles. Accordingly, there is a need for a modern, attractively designed container suitable for pills or other small objects.

Further, some have believed there are no acceptable options for new CR ASTM package designs. Many traditional pill bottle designs have been in use for many decades and there has been little advancement in the design of such packages. In order to diversify the options available to pharmaceutical companies and others who market small objects, there is a need for new CR designs that are ASTM certified.

Finally, it is necessary to minimize the packaging cost associated with pharmaceutical products. It is believed that low cost of traditional pill bottles has deterred market participants from utilizing new and different designs. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a package or container design that will offer a favorable cost relative to known CR packaging.

There have been attempts to provide updated CR packaging. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,333,288 discloses a child resistant container that includes a locking ring and a cap. The locking ring and cap are a two-piece closure system for a separate body of the container. This design is complex and therefore costly to produce and assemble.

PCT application No. WO96/23705 also discloses a child resistant container. The container has a post near its opening for engaging a slot on the cap, which also has a feature for puncturing a seal on the container. The slot is convoluted to varying degrees across the embodiments disclosed. However, the container has the appearance of a traditional pill bottle and the post and slot design may not provide sufficiently robust child-proofing.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,182 discloses a child resistant container, which includes a cap that screws onto a container and has push tabs that are biased outwardly or downwardly. Again, this container has the look of a traditional pill bottle.

Accordingly, there is a need for a child resistant container that has a modern and sleek appearance, that is usable for storing pharmaceutical pills but that does not have the appearance of a traditional pill bottle. What is further desired is such a container that can be manufactured and assembled for a cost that is comparable to traditional pill bottles. Finally, it is desired that such a container be suitable for certification as a child resistant container by one or more regulatory bodies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a container that is child resistant, but which has a modern and sleek appearance.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a container that is cost effective to manufacture and assemble.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a container suitable for certification as a child resistant container.

These and other objects are accomplished by provision of a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The container comprises a body and a cap. The body includes a cylindrical portion, having a longitudinal axis associated therewith, an open end on the cylindrical portion, a slot, having a first section, at least a portion of which extends along an arc on the cylindrical portion having its center point on the longitudinal axis, and having a second section, and an opening adjacent to the slot. The cap is adapted to close the open end, and comprises a protrusion adapted to fit in the slot and a movable tab adapted to fit in the opening and spaced from the protrusion such that the tab engages the opening when the protrusion is in an end portion of the first section of the slot.

In some embodiments, the second section of the slot extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the slot is “L” or backwards “L” shaped. In some embodiments, the slot is “J”-shaped.

In some embodiments, the tab comprises a sloped surface such that height of the tab increases from a lower edge of the tab to an upper edge of the tab. In some embodiments, the cylindrical portion further comprises a closed end, such that the cylindrical portion makes up the entirety of the body. In some embodiments, the protrusion is substantially rectangular.

In some embodiments, the body further comprises a first indication providing a first instruction for removal of the cap from the body, comprising an instruction to push on the movable tab. In some embodiments, the cap further comprises a second indication providing a second instruction for removal of the cap from the body, comprising an instruction to move the cap such that the protrusion travels along the first section of the slot. In some embodiments, the cap further comprises a third indication providing a third instruction for removal of the cap from the body, comprising an instruction to move the cap such that the protrusion travels along the second section of the slot. In some embodiments, the third instruction is obscured by the body when the protrusion is in the first section of the slot but is visible when the protrusion enters the second section of the slot.

In some embodiments, the container further comprises an o-ring that provides a seal between the cap and the body.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a container is provided that comprises a body and a cap. The body comprises a longitudinal axis, an open end, a slot having a section, at least a portion of which extends along an arc on the cylindrical portion having its center point on the longitudinal axis, and an opening adjacent to the slot. The cap comprises a protrusion adapted to fit in the slot and a movable tab adapted to fit in the opening and spaced from the protrusion such that the tab engages the opening when the protrusion is in the section of the slot that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the slot further comprises a second section that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the body further comprises a cylindrical portion that includes the open end, the slot, and opening. In some embodiments, the cap further comprises a lid portion and a sleeve portion and wherein the protrusion and tab are formed on the sleeve portion.

According to a third embodiment of the present invention, a container is provided that comprises a body and a cap. The body, comprises a longitudinal axis, an open end, a slot having a first section, at least a portion of which extends along an arc on the cylindrical portion having its center point on the longitudinal axis and a second section connecting the first section to the open end, and an opening adjacent to the slot. The cap comprises a lid portion and a sleeve portion, including a protrusion adapted to fit in the slot and a movable tab adapted to fit in the slot and spaced from the protrusion such that the tab engages the opening when the protrusion is in an end portion of the first section of the slot.

In some embodiments, the first section is sized such that the cap must be twisted approximately 30 degrees to move the protrusion from the end portion of the first section to the second section. In some embodiments, that the second section is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the tab is movable toward a center of the cap and is biased to return to a starting position.

According to a fourth embodiment, a container is provided that comprises a body and a cap connectable to the body and requiring a first, a second, and a third movement to remove the cap from the body. The container also comprises a first indication on either the cap or the body providing a first instruction for the first movement for removal of the cap from the body. The container further comprises a second indication on either the cap or body providing a second instruction for the second movement for removal of the cap from the body and a third indication on the cap providing a third instruction for the third movement for removal of the cap from the body, the third indication only becoming visible upon completion of the first movement and second movement.

Other objects and features of the invention described herein and its particular features and advantages will become more apparent from consideration of the following drawings and accompanying detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a second isometric view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a third isometric view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fourth isometric view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b are close-up isometric views of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6a is a side view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6b is a cross-section view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7a is an isometric view of a container according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7b is a second isometric view of the container of FIG. 7 a.

FIGS. 8a and 8b are schematic views of alternative slot shapes for use with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10a and 10b are isometric views of alternative tab designs for use with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the invention. The container 10 includes a body 11 and a cap 12. The body 11 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has an open end 13 and a closed end 14. The cap 12 is sized to close the open end 13. In the embodiment shown, the body 11 is almost entirely a cylindrical tube, but in other embodiments the body has other shapes. For example, in some embodiments, only the portion of the body 11 near the open end 13 is cylindrical.

The body 11 has associated with it a longitudinal axis 17. The axis 17 is the center axis of the cylinder that forms the body 13 or is the center axis of the cylinder associated with the cylindrical portion of the body 13. In the embodiment shown, the cap 12 also has a round cross section and the axis 17 would pass through the radial center of the cap 12 when it is aligned with the open end 13 of the body 11.

The body 11 also includes a slot 15 formed at the open end 13 and an opening 16 adjacent to the slot 15 and the end 13. As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the slot 15 is generally in an “L” or backwards “L” shape. The slot 15 has a first section 18 that extends along a line is in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 17. In other words, the first section extends along an arc the center point of which is on the longitudinal axis 17. The slot 15 also has a second section 19 that extends substantially parallel to the axis 17. Each of the sections 18 and 19 of the slot 15 have a generally rectangular shape in the embodiment shown. The opening 16 is a generally rectangular hole in the body 11, in the embodiment shown, and is adjacent to but spaced apart from the slot 15.

The slot 15 and the opening 16 are adapted to interact with features on the cap 12 to securely close the body 11. In the embodiment shown, the cap 12 is made up of a lid portion 20 and a sleeve portion 21. The sleeve portion 21 is sized to fit closely within the open end 13 of the body 11. In many advantageous embodiments, the sizing of the sleeve portion (or another portion of the cap) is selected to provide some degree of friction fit within the body 11. This provides a better seal of the interior of the container and reduces the likelihood of the cap being removed from the body unexpectedly. The lid 20 is sized to cover and close the open end 13. The sleeve portion 21 has a protrusion 22 formed thereon. The protrusion 22 is sized to fit in the slot 15 of the body 11. The sleeve portion 21 also includes a movable tab 23. The movable tab 23 is depressible in the direction of arrow 24, or, in other words, in the direction radially inward toward the axis 17.

The movable tab 23 is sized to fit within the opening 16 on the body 11. In the embodiment shown, the tab 23 is also generally rectangular and is sized such that it will fit snugly in the opening. In preferred embodiments, the movable tab is biased in the position in which it is shown in FIG. 1 such that when the tab is moved inwardly of the sleeve portion 21, it will automatically return to the position shown. This is accomplished in a variety of ways depending on the embodiment, including mounting the tab on a leaf spring or forming the cap using a flexible, elastic material and creating a movable tab on a portion of the cap made by selectively cutting the cap. FIGS. 10a and 10b show these possible designs.

In FIG. 10a , the tab 523 is mounted on a leaf spring 540 that is shown in dotted lines, as it is on the inside of the sleeve portion 521. The spring 540 is welded, riveted, or otherwise suitably attached at 541 to allow the tab 523 to move toward the inside of the sleeve portion 521. The leaf spring can be made out of any suitable material to bias the tab 523 into the position shown in FIG. 10a , but permit movement with sufficient ease that an adult can depress the tab.

FIG. 10b shows a cap having a sleeve portion that is made of a single, unitary piece of material. The tab 623 is formed on a spring 640, which is formed by making a “U”-shaped cut 642 in the sleeve portion. The sleeve portion 621 is formed of a material having sufficient flexibility and resiliency to bias the tab 623 into the desired position. Also shown in FIG. 10b , the tab 623 has a round shape, which would correspond to a round opening in the body of the container (as opposed to the rectangular opening 16 shown in FIG. 1). Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the movable tab can have any suitable shape, such as a rectangle, circle, triangle, etc.

The protrusion 22, slot 15, tab 23, and opening 16 cooperate to securely lock the cap 12 onto the body 11. To lock the cap 12 on the body 11, the cap is positioned near the open end 13 as shown in FIG. 2. In this position, the protrusion 22 is aligned with the second section 19 of the slot 15. Also in this position, the tab 23 is angularly offset from the opening 16—meaning that the two are not aligned. The sleeve portion 21 of the cap 12 can then be moved into the body 11 so long as the protrusion 22 travels along the second portion 19 of the slot 15.

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in the figures, the movable tab 23 has a sloped profile so that it will not hinder insertion of the sleeve portion 21 into the body 11. The sloped profile means that the height of the tab 23 increases from its lower edge 25 to its upper edge 26. The tab 23 is also movable in the radially inward direction so that, as the sleeve portion 21 is inserted, the rim of the open end 13 pushes the tab 23 inward.

FIG. 3 shows the cap 12 having been inserted far enough into the body 11 that the protrusion 22 reaches the end of the second section 19 of the slot 15. In this position, the protrusion 22 bears against the edge of the slot 15 and the cap is fully seated in the body 11. To complete the process of closing the container, the user then twists the cap 12 so that the protrusion travels along the first section 18 of the slot 15 to the end 32 of the first section 18 of the slot. When the protrusion 22 reaches the end of the first section 18, the movable tab 23 will engage the opening 16. Because the movable tab 23 is biased, it will automatically snap into position in the opening 16. An advantageous feature of this embodiment is that the tab 23 will make an audible “snap” sound once it is in its secured position. This provides confirmation to the user that the cap has been properly secured. Because the tab 23 fits snugly in the opening 16, it will prevent rotation or removal of the cap from the body. This position of the cap 12 relative to the body 11 is shown in FIG. 4.

To remove the cap 12 from the body 11, the user pushes the movable tab 23 inwardly until it clears the opening 16. Although the protrusion 22 and slot 15 prevent the cap from being pulled out of the body 11, once the tab 23 is pushed inwardly, the user can then twist the cap 12 so that the protrusion 22 moves along the first section 18 of the slot 15 toward the second section 19 of the slot 15. Once the protrusion 22 reaches the second section 19, the user can pull the cap off of the body. The first section of the slot 15, though it may take varying shapes, is nevertheless designed such that a twisting movement must be applied to the cap at some point before it can be fully removed from the body.

FIGS. 1-6 thus show a container that can be securely closed in a child resistant fashion. The slot+protrusion and opening+tab provides multi-layer protection against accidental opening or opening by a small child. If the movable tab is accidentally depressed in a purse, for example, the cap will not be likely to be removed from the body since two additional, precise movements are still required: twisting the cap in the direction of the first section of the slot and pulling the cap out of the body along the second section of the slot. This sequence is not likely to occur randomly, as the movable tab is, in most preferable embodiments, biased to return to its engaged position and retain the cap in place.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the slot is sized so that the cap must be turned 30 degrees about the longitudinal axis 17 in order to move the protrusion 22 from the first section 18 to the second section 19. In other embodiments, larger or smaller angular displacements are required, depending on the size of the slot 15.

FIGS. 5a and 5b , along with FIG. 1, show other advantageous features of this embodiment of the present invention. The body 11 and/or cap 12 include markings that provide instructions for proper removal of the cap from the body. In preferred embodiments, these instructions provide a step-by-step guide that is understandable by most adults but not by children. FIG. 5a shows a first set of markings 27 a and 27 b that indicate the first step for removal of the cap. The marking “PUSH” at 27 a is provided along with a prominent “1” marking at 27 b that instructs the user that the first step to removal is to push the tab 23. FIG. 5b shows a second set of markings 28 a, 28 b, and 28 c. The prominent “2” at 28 a is associated with the arrows at 28 b and the marking “TURN” at 28 c and indicates to the user that the second step is to turn the cap 12 relative to the body 11 in the direction of the arrows 28 b. The markings 28 b and 28 c are formed on the cap 12 (specifically the protrusion 22 and sleeve portion 21). Finally, the third marking is shown in FIG. 3. An arrow 29, which is formed on the sleeve portion 21 of the cap 12, points in the direction that the cap 12 should be moved in order to remove it from the body 11. Notably, the third marking 29 is not visible to the user until the second step for removal (twisting the cap) has been completed. Those of skill in the art will understand that the instructive markings in other embodiments are provided on one or the other or both of the cap and body components of the container.

The embodiment of FIGS. 1-6 also includes a feature for attaching a clip or lanyard for the user's convenience. The lid portion 20 of the cap 12 is formed to include a pass-through opening 31 (see FIG. 1). The opening 31 is adapted for connection to a lanyard or clip (not shown) to assist the user in carrying the container 10.

In preferred embodiments, the container is adapted to be sealed against the intrusion of moisture when closed. This is particularly important when the container is intended as a package for pharmaceutical or medical products. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, an o-ring is provided on the cap 12 to create such a seal. As shown in FIG. 2, the o-ring 30 is provided at the junction between the lid portion 20 and the sleeve portion 21. As is typical of o-ring seals, the o-ring is constructed of a flexible, resilient, and elastic material such as rubber or other elastomeric materials. The o-ring is typically formed of a softer, more deformable material than the cap 12 and body 11. In other embodiments, as described below, an o-ring can be positioned lower on the sleeve portion 21. In still other embodiments, the body 11 can include an o-ring or other sealing component.

In most embodiments, the cap 12 and body 11 are formed from plastic materials. In preferred embodiments, the materials are certified as medical grade, suitable for packaging pharmaceutical products. In some embodiments, the materials are sufficiently opaque to protect the contents of the container from interaction with ultraviolet or other light and/or to shield the contents from visibility to the naked eye. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, however, the components of the container can be formed from any material that is suitable for the intended application of the container.

FIG. 6a shows a side view of the first embodiment. This view shows clearly the pass-through opening 31. The line and arrows designated “B” show the location of the section and viewing direction for the cross-section view shown in FIG. 6b . This view shows the hollow interior of the body 11, where objects are stored.

FIG. 7a shows an alternative embodiment of a container 110 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the slot 115 has a curved shape, similar to the shape of the letter “J”. This embodiment includes other modifications to accommodate the different slot 115 design. First, the protrusion 122 is round in this embodiment to enable it to travel along the curved path while also being sized close to the size of the slot 115.

Second, the o-ring seal 130 is on the lower part of the sleeve portion 121 of the cap 112, instead of near the junction of the sleeve portion 121 and the lid portion 120 as in other embodiments. This is because the cap 112 must travel first into the body 111 when being secured to the body, and then moved back a certain distance out of the body 111 in order to seat the protrusion 122 at the end 132 of the slot 115. The result, shown in FIG. 7b , is that the secured position of the cap 112 is such that the open end 113 and the lid portion 120 are separated by a short distance. Achieving a proper seal with this embodiment, therefore, requires the o-ring 130 to be on the lower part of the sleeve portion 121. The o-ring positioning shown in FIG. 7a works equally well with embodiments similar to the one shown in FIGS. 1-6.

The design of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b also requires that the distance between the tab 123 and the protrusion 122—and consequently the distance between the opening 116 and the slot 115—be carefully selected. In securing the cap 112 to the body 111, while the protrusion 122 is moved through the slot 115, it is important that the tab 123 be able to slide on the inside of the body 111 without becoming hung up on parts of the slot 115 or the opening 116. Accordingly, proper spacing is important.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b is opened and closed in substantially the same manner as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6. Further, the embodiment of FIGS. 7a and 7b also provides similar security against unwanted opening of the container. Although the first section 118 of the slot 115 is curved, it still extends along an arc that has its center point on the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical portion of the body. In other words, even though the first section 118 has components that extend outside of the arc, it still extends along an arc that has its center point on the longitudinal axis.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show alternative slot shapes usable in some embodiments of the invention. Slot 215 is in the shape of an upside-down “7.” Slot 315 is in the shape of a hockey stick. Numerous other slot shapes are usable in embodiments of the invention. Slots 215 and 315 each include first sections 218, 318 that extend along arcs that would have their center points on the longitudinal axis of the container, and second sections 219, 319.

As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, the container of the present invention need not be entirely cylindrical. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, one advantageous embodiment includes a body 411 that has a cylindrical portion 434 adjacent its open end 413 as shown in FIGS. 1-6, but a boxy storage section 433 in which the small objects are stored. Virtually any shape can be chosen for the storage section 433 of the container, including spheres, ovoids, or any suitable polyhedron. In embodiments in which only a portion of the body is cylindrical, a longitudinal axis 417 is associated with that cylindrical portion.

The invention can be applied to containers of a variety of sizes. With respect to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6, the size can be easily varied by elongating the cylindrical body 11, which will permit the same cap size to be usable with the variously sized bodies.

Some embodiments of the invention, including the one depicted in FIGS. 1-6, have a smooth exterior that is amenable to a graphic wrap. Such a graphic wrap can provide information relevant to the contents of the container, the manufacturer of the product, or container, or any desired information.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide modern looking containers that meet ASTM requirements. These containers are inexpensive to manufacture and assemble and durable for extended use. Although the invention is particularly well-suited to use with medical or pharmaceutical products, it is also advantageous for use with switches, bolts, screws, or any other object for which secure packaging and storage is desired.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments and arrangements of parts, features and the like, these are not intended to exhaust all possible embodiments, arrangements, or features, and indeed many other modifications and variations will be ascertainable to those of skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container, comprising: a body, comprising: a cylindrical portion, having a longitudinal axis associated therewith; an open end on the cylindrical portion; a slot, having a first section, at least a portion of which extends along an arc on the cylindrical portion having its center point on the longitudinal axis, and having a second section; and an opening adjacent to the slot; and a cap adapted to close the open end, comprising: a protrusion adapted to fit in the slot, and a movable tab adapted to fit in the opening and spaced from the protrusion such that the tab engages the opening when the protrusion is in an end portion of the first section of the slot.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the second section of the slot extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the slot is “L” or backwards “L” shaped.
 4. The container of claim 2, wherein the slot is “J”-shaped.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the tab comprises a sloped surface such that height of the tab increases from a lower edge of the tab to an upper edge of the tab.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical portion further comprises a closed end, such that the cylindrical portion makes up the entirety of the body.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is substantially rectangular.
 8. The container of claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a first indication providing a first instruction for removal of the cap from the body, comprising an instruction to push on the movable tab.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the cap further comprises a second indication providing a second instruction for removal of the cap from the body, comprising an instruction to move the cap such that the protrusion travels along the first section of the slot.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the cap further comprises a third indication providing a third instruction for removal of the cap from the body, comprising an instruction to move the cap such that the protrusion travels along the second section of the slot.
 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the third instruction is obscured by the body when the protrusion is in the first section of the slot but is visible when the protrusion enters the second section of the slot.
 12. The container of claim 1, further comprising an o-ring that provides a seal between the cap and the body.
 13. A container, comprising: a body, comprising: a longitudinal axis; an open end; a slot having a section, at least a portion of which extends along an arc on the cylindrical portion having its center point on the longitudinal axis; and an opening adjacent to the slot; and a cap, comprising: a protrusion adapted to fit in the slot; and a movable tab adapted to fit in the opening and spaced from the protrusion such that the tab engages the opening when the protrusion is in the section of the slot that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
 14. The container of claim 13, wherein the slot further comprises a second section that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 15. The container of claim 13, wherein the body further comprises a cylindrical portion that includes the open end, the slot, and opening.
 16. The container of claim 13, wherein the cap further comprises a lid portion and a sleeve portion and wherein the protrusion and tab are formed on the sleeve portion.
 17. A container, comprising: a body, comprising: a longitudinal axis; an open end; a slot having a first section, at least a portion of which extends along an arc on the cylindrical portion having its center point on the longitudinal axis and a second section connecting the first section to the open end; and an opening adjacent to the slot; a cap, comprising: a lid portion; and a sleeve portion, including a protrusion adapted to fit in the slot and a movable tab adapted to fit in the slot and spaced from the protrusion such that the tab engages the opening when the protrusion is in an end portion of the first section of the slot.
 18. The container of claim 17, wherein the first section is sized such that the cap must be twisted approximately 30 degrees to move the protrusion from the end portion of the first section to the second section.
 19. The container of claim 17, wherein the second section is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 20. The container of claim 17, wherein the tab is movable toward a center of the cap and is biased to return to a starting position. 